Russell Westbrook hasn't lost faith in the L.A. Clippers
The L.A. Clippers have lost four of their last six games. They aren't playing like the championship contenders many expect them to be. A 133-116 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Monday cast further doubt over the aging roster.
However, during Russell Westbrook's postgame news conference, the veteran guard didn't sound defeated. Instead, he discussed how the adversity his team is facing provides an opportunity for them to pull together as a unit.
“Collectively, we just got to come together during tough times,” Westbrook said. “Adversity, to me, is a real measure of who you are as a man and who you are as a team. I think now is a perfect time for us to be able to pull together.”
On paper, the Clippers are an elite, albeit top-heavy team. The quartet of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden and Westbrook should be enough to ensure Ty Lue's team is a force once the postseason is underway. Even on the back end of their respective careers, four future Hall of Famer playing together should be a recipe for consistent success.
Nevertheless, the Clippers need to turn a corner. They've looked susceptible on defense over the past two months, and their offense has a habit of grinding to a halt in games.
Westbrook is right, though: This is when the roster needs to pull together. All four stars are near the end of their careers, and three of them have never won a championship.
This version of the Clippers roster hasn't been together long. James Harden joined after the season had begun. So, regardless of what happens, the front office will likely run it back next season. Beyond that, though, the future looks far more uncertain.
More must-reads: